Pimienta blanca

Related Terms

Alpha-humulene, alpha-pinene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-eudesmol, beta-pinene, black pepper, blanc poivre (French), caryophyllene oxide, chavicine, cis-beta-ocimene, coumaperine, delta-3-carene, dipiperamide D, dipiperamide E, (e)-beta-caryophyllene, eugenol, hedycaryol, isochavicine, isopiperine, kali mirchi, kosho, krishna, limonene, linalool, marich, maricha, pepe, pepper, pepper extract, pepper plant, peppercorn, Pfeffer (German), pimienta (Spanish), piper, Piper guineense, Piper nigrum, Piper umbellatum, Piperaceae, piperamide, piperanine, piperdardine, piperettine, piperine, piperlonguminine, poivre (French), poivre noir (French), sabinene, safrole, tenuazonic acid, terpinen-4-ol, vellaja.
Combination product examples: ArmorexT (extracts of sesame oil, garlic oil, clove oil, rosemary oil, and white pepper); Trikatu (an herbal combination containing Piper longum fruit, Piper nigrum fruit, and Zingiber officinale rhizome powder).
Note: Black pepper, white pepper, green pepper, pink pepper, and red pepper are all differently preserved berries or seeds of the Piper nigrum plant. Only white pepper is covered in this monograph.

Background

White and black pepper both come from the pepper plant (Piper nigrum). The final color of the pepper relates to the level of ripeness. Black pepper is made from the unripe berries, whereas white pepper comes from the seed of a fully ripe fruit, called the peppercorn.
Pepper has been known in Indian cooking since at least 2000 BC and is common in Chinese cooking. White pepper is most commonly used as a spice in food.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Insufficient available evidence.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
White pepper may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
White pepper may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients with low blood pressure and in those taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
White pepper may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
White pepper may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be changed in the blood and may cause different effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
White pepper may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
White pepper may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antifungal agents, antihistamines, anti-HIV drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, antiparasitic agents, antiseizure drugs, heart drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs that affect breathing, drugs that affect hormone levels, drugs that affect the digestive system, drugs that affect the immune system, drugs that affect the nervous system, drugs that affect the thyroid, drugs that may damage the liver, fertility drugs, painkillers, p-glycoprotein-regulated agents, and UDP substrates.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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